Much-Loved Sydney Restaurant Nomad Has Returned to Its OG Location

After surviving a devastating fire and a pandemic, the Surry Hills favourite has reopened on Foster Street with a brand-new deli and the same olive oil ice cream sandwich.
Marissa Ciampi and Marissa Ciampi
November 09, 2020

After one (long) year without a permanent place to call home, Surry Hills favourite Nomad has finally returned to its Foster Street home.

A devastating fire back in September 2019 forced Owners Rebecca and Al Yazbek to shut up shop and temporarily open Nomad Up The Road, before a global pandemic threw another spanner in the works. Now, the restaurant has returned to its OG digs with a larger kitchen, more seating and a brand-new deli to boot.

Thanks to extensive renovations, the open kitchen is back in action, with the addition of wraparound counter seating — allowing 30 diners to sit up-close and watch the chefs in action. The venue's signature woodfired oven is back, too, as is a double-sized charcoal grill.

That oven will once again be the focus of Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor's menu, which will include plenty of new additions for patrons to try. But the fan-favourite dishes have returned as well, such as the smoked ocean trout basturma, date-glazed wagyu tongue and the olive oil ice cream sandwiches (topped with sesame, pistachio and honeycomb).

Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find wood-roasted mushroom and XO empanadas, lamb neck with brik pastry and broad beans, smoked mussels with hashbrowns and, for dessert, a banana tart with pine nut brittle ice cream.

Nikki To

Alongside the restaurant's reopening is the launch of a brand new Nomad Deli, which officially swings open its next week. It will be stocked with a rotating selection of takeaway items and smallgoods, including duck mortadella, freshly made haloumi and the brand's famed cannellini bean hummus. For bakers, there will be chocolate fudge brownie batter and cookie dough on offer, too.

Nomad's cellar has also expanded, with more back vintages available than ever before. The list will continue to focus on small Australian producers and will be available for both takeaway and home delivery (in addition to dine-in).

Otherwise, expect the same Nomad vibes you know and love. The team has even restored the restaurant's original chairs and tables, while adding some new touches like plush green banquettes. The venue now has room for 200 all up, but is limited to 110 under the current COVID-19 restrictions. And it's sure to be as popular as ever, so we highly recommend booking ahead.

Also on the horizon for the Nomad crew is the opening of its first Melbourne outpost, which has been pushed back to early 2021. Keep an eye on this space for the latest updates.

Find Nomad at 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills from 

Images: Nikki To. 

Published on November 09, 2020 by Marissa Ciampi
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